Imagine waking up and walking into the bathroom, only to realise that there is a water backlash caused by a blocked drain; this can be quite the inconvenience, especially if you have to get to work or get the kids ready for school. This is what most homeowners have to go through at least a few times or more times if drainage systems are not well take care of. Given here are some causes of blocked drains and tips on how you can avoid them:
Leaves and foliage
Garden waste such as foliage and leaves is one of the most common culprits when it comes to outdoor blocked drains. This waste is often washed into the drains, causing an obstruction. So, in order to keep your outdoor drainage clear and properly functional, it's wise to sweep your garden regularly.
There are instances where vegetation surrounding the home could be the cause of your outdoor blockage. This is especially true for older homes, whose piping and drainage systems were done years ago. Roots from the surrounding vegetation could exert pressure on the pipes, causing them to bend, block and even break. If this happens, it's best to call a professional plumber to evaluate and fix the problem.
Foreign objects and non-flushables
Was your sink working perfectly just the other day, and now it is suddenly clogged? Well, the problem could be that there is a foreign object causing obstruction in the pipes. Foreign objects such as kids' toys can get into a sink when it does not have a drain filter or screen. Chances are that the foreign object might not cause a blockage right away, but debris could still accumulate over time and cause clogging later on. Non-flushables such as face wipes, cotton wool and nappies should not be flushed down the toilet. These items could get jammed in the pipes and cause a water overflow.
Grease
This is one of the most common causes of kitchen sinks clogging. It's common practice to wash greasy kitchen items in the sink, and even pour hot grease in the sink as a way of discarding it. This grease solidifies inside the pipes and grabs hold of debris and food particles which build up and cause blockage issues. Avoid this by using adequate detergents and soaps when washing plates and cutlery to ensure that grease and oil are properly broken down.
The above information indicates that some of the causes of blocked drains can be avoided by being careful about what lies around your drains and what goes inside them.
